System and method for using an adjustable zone damper calibration

ABSTRACT

A system and method for controlling a multi-zone HVAC system, wherein the controller operates at least one damper based on an adjustable first timing parameter and a relative damper position based on a zone demand.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to, and claims the priority benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/802,934 filed Mar. 18, 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety into the present disclosure.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

The presently disclosed embodiments generally relate to a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. More particularly, the embodiments relate to a system and method for using an adjustable zone damper calibration.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

In a typical ducted heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) system, a single blower in an indoor air handler circulates air to various parts of an environment through a system of ducts. In a typical zoned HVAC system, the ducts are divided into several zones, one for each part of a building that is desired to be controlled independently of the other zones. Zoned HVAC systems require a large plenum with smaller duct branches feeding conditioned air from the plenum to the interior space. A set of dampers are field installed into the duct branches, downstream of the supply plenum, with at least one damper for each zone. These dampers can be opened or closed, to direct more or less air to a particular zone as needed to satisfy the desired comfort level in that zone.

In a typical zone controller, a predetermined time to fully open or fully close a damper is defined by fixed timing parameters programmed into the zone controller. The predetermined time is typically longer than the actual time required to fully open or fully close most dampers. There is therefore a need for a zone controller using adjustable timing parameters to open and close dampers regardless of their shape or configuration.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

In one aspect, an HVAC system is provided. The HVAC system includes an HVAC component for conditioning the air in an environment. Connected to the HVAC component are a plurality of conduits to distribute the conditioned air to a plurality of distinct zones. Within at least one of the plurality of conduits, a damper is positioned therein to control the flow of conditioned air to at least one of the distinct zones. The HVAC system further includes a controller, operably coupled to the HVAC component and each of the dampers, for control thereof.

In one embodiment, the controller is in communication with each of the dampers, and the HVAC component. The controller includes a plurality of adjustable first timing parameters to operate each of the dampers. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of adjustable first timing parameters is associated with one of the dampers. In one embodiment, each of the adjustable first timing parameters is the time period to operate each of the respective dampers from an open position to a closed position or from a closed position to an open position. In one embodiment, the controller is configured to receive a plurality of zone control signals, and based on the zone requirements, determine a zone demand within each of the plurality of distinct zones. In one embodiment, based on the respective zone demands, the controller is configured to determine the relative position of each of the dampers between the values of 0-100%. In one embodiment, the controller is configured to calculate a plurality of second timing parameters based on each of the adjustable first timing parameters, associated with each of the dampers, and the determined relative position based on the zone demand within each of the distinct zones. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of second timing parameters is associated with one of the dampers. In one embodiment, the controller is configured to operate each of the dampers for a duration of time based on each of the calculated second timing parameters associated with each of the dampers. In one embodiment, each of the second timing parameters is calculated by the formula:

Second timing parameter=adjustable first timing parameter×relative position.

In one embodiment, a method for utilizing a controller to operate an HVAC system is provided. The exemplary embodiment of the method includes determining the time to change a state of each of the dampers. In one embodiment, the method includes determining the time to change the damper from an open position to a closed position. In another embodiment the method includes determining the time to change the damper from a closed position to an open position. The method also includes inputting and storing time into an adjustable first timing parameter for each damper in the HVAC system. The method also includes the controller receiving a plurality of zone control signals from a plurality of distinct zones, and determining a zone demand based at least in part upon the plurality of zone control signals. The method also includes determining a relative position of each of the dampers based upon the zone demand. The method also includes operating each of the dampers based on the respective relative position and the respective adjustable first timing parameter. In another embodiment, the method further includes operating each of the dampers for a time period based on a second timing parameter. In one embodiment, each of the second timing parameters is defined by the formula:

Second timing parameter=adjustable first timing parameter×relative position.

In one embodiment, a computer-readable medium is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the computer-readable medium stores a control program executable in an HVAC system, wherein the program includes instructions that causes a controller of an HVAC system to store a plurality of adjustable first timing parameters. The program also includes instructions that causes the controller to receive a plurality of zone control signals from a plurality of distinct zones. The program also includes instructions that causes the controller to determine a zone demand within each of the plurality of distinct zones. The program also includes instructions that causes the controller to determine a relative position for each of a plurality of dampers based on the zone demand. The program also includes instructions that causes the controller to operate each of the plurality of dampers based on the respective relative position and the respective adjustable first timing parameters. In one embodiment, the program includes instructions that further causes the controller to operate each of the plurality of dampers for a time period based on a second timing parameter. In one embodiment, the program includes instructions that further causes the controller to operate each of the plurality of dampers for a time period based on a second timing parameter, wherein each of the second timing parameters is defined by the formula:

Second timing parameter=adjustable first timing parameter×relative position. ×

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments and other features, advantages and disclosures contained herein, and the manner of attaining them, will become apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an HVAC system in an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary method for utilizing a controller to operate an HVAC system;

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a method for utilizing a controller to operate an HVAC system;

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary computer-readable medium storing a control program executable in an HVAC system; and

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a computer-readable medium storing a control program executable in an HVAC system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ENCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of an HVAC system, generally indicated at 10. The HVAC system 10 includes an HVAC component 12 for conditioning air in a structure (not shown). The HVAC system 10 includes a plurality of conduits 14 connected to the HVAC component 12 to distribute the conditioned air to a plurality of distinct zones 16. The HVAC system 10 includes at least one damper 18, wherein the at least one damper 18 is disposed within at least one of the plurality of conduits 14 to direct the conditioned air to each of the plurality of distinct zones 16. The HVAC system 10 includes a controller 20 operably coupled to the HVAC component 12 and each of the dampers 18 for control thereof. While FIG. 1 illustrates an HVAC system 10 with two zones, it will be appreciated by those in the art that the HVAC system 10 may have more than two zones. While FIG. 1 illustrates an HVAC system 10 with a damper 18 in each conduit 14, it will be appreciated by those in the art that not all conduits 14 will contain a damper 18.

In one embodiment, the HVAC component 12 may be an air handler, to name one non-limiting example. In another embodiment, the HVAC component 12 may by a furnace, to name another non-limiting example. Each of the dampers 18 may be of any desired shape, such as a rectangular, square, or oval shape blade, composed of any desired material, such as aluminized steel or stainless steel, to name just a few non-limiting examples. Each of the dampers 18 operates between an open and a closed position, or a number of positions therebetween, to regulate an amount of conditioned air allowed to flow to each of the distinct zones 16.

In an exemplary embodiment of an HVAC system 10, controller 20 is in communication, for example electrical communication, with each of the dampers 18, and the HVAC component 12. Controller 20 includes a device 21, preprogrammed with software stored in memory for executing instructions to utilize a plurality of adjustable first timing parameters 22 to operate the dampers 18. In one embodiment device 21 is a microprocessor, to name one non-limiting example. Each of the adjustable first timing parameters 22 is associated with one of the plurality of dampers 18. For example, first timing parameter 22A is associated with damper 18A. Each of the adjustable first timing parameters 22 comprises a time that may be entered into controller 20 and is indicative of a time it takes to operate each of the dampers 18 to cause them to move between an open and a closed position, and vice versa.

Within each of the plurality of distinct zones 16, a zone control 17 measures the actual temperature within the distinct zone 16, and allows a user to set a desired temperature set point within the distinct zone 16. The controller 20 is configured to receive zone control signals 24, from each zone control 17 to determine a zone demand for each of the plurality of distinct zones 16. Controller 20 may receive the zone control signals 24 via a wired or wireless connection. An example of a zone demand occurs when there is a difference between the desired temperature set point and the actual temperature within each of the plurality of distinct zones 16. Based on the respective zone demands, the controller 20 is configured to determine the relative position 26 of each of the plurality of dampers 18 between the values of 0-100%. In one embodiment, for example, if a zone demand is not present within a distinct zone 16, the controller 20 will determine a relative position 26 of the associated damper 18 to be 0% (e.g., closed). In one embodiment, as another example, if a zone demand is present within a distinct zone 16, which requires a damper 18 to be fully open, the controller 20 will determine a relative position 26 of 100%. In one embodiment, as another example, if a zone demand is present within a distinct zone 16, which requires a damper 18 to be half open, the controller 20 may determine a relative position 26 of 50%.

In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 20 is configured to calculate a plurality of second timing parameters 28 based on each of the adjustable first timing parameters 22, associated with each of the dampers 18, and the determined relative position 26 based on the zone demand within each of the distinct zones 16. In one embodiment, each of the second timing parameters 28 are defined by the formula:

Second timing parameter=adjustable first timing parameter×relative position.

For example, second timing parameter 28A is equal to the adjustable first timing parameter 22A, associated with damper 18A, multiplied by the determined relative position 26A based on the zone demand of distinct zone 16A. It will be appreciated that the second timing parameter 28 for other zones are calculated in a similar way. When a zone demand is present within a distinct zone 16, the controller 20 will open the associated damper 18 for a duration based on the calculated second timing parameter 28 until the zone demand is satisfied. Once the zone demand has been satisfied, the controller will close the associated damper 18 for a duration based on the calculated second timing parameter 28.

FIG. 2 shows a method for utilizing a controller 20 to operate an HVAC system 10. As shown in FIG. 2, an exemplary method 30 includes the Step 32 of determining the time to change the position of at least one of a plurality of dampers 18. For example, during installation, an installer measures the time period to operate each of the dampers 18 between an open position and a closed position, which will vary from damper to damper. Step 34 includes inputting the measured time to be saved into each of adjustable first timing parameters 22 associated with each of the dampers 18. Step 36 includes storing each of the adjustable first timing parameters 22 within the controller 20. Step 38 includes receiving at least one zone control signal 24 from at least one distinct zones 16. Step 40 includes determining a zone demand within each of the distinct zones 16. Step 42 includes operating each of the dampers 18 based on the time stored in each of the adjustable first timing parameters 22 and the zone demand. As shown in FIG. 3, another embodiment of method 30 includes Steps 32 through 40, and further includes Step 44 of determining a relative position 26 for each of the dampers 18, based on the zone demand. Step 46 includes calculating a plurality of second timing parameters 28, one for each of the dampers 18. In one embodiment, each of the second timing parameters 28 is determined by the formula:

Second timing parameter=adjustable first timing parameter×relative position.

In one embodiment, Step 48 further includes the controller 20 operating each of the dampers 18 for a time period defined by each of the respective second timing parameters 28. When a zone demand is present within a distinct zone 16, the controller 20 will open the associated damper 18 for a duration based on the calculated second timing parameter 28 until the zone demand is satisfied. Once the zone demand has been satisfied, the controller 20 will close the associated damper 18 for a duration based on the calculated second timing parameter 28.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a computer-readable medium 21 storing a control program executable in an HVAC system 10. An example of a control program includes instructions that cause a controller 20 of the HVAC system 10 to perform a plurality of steps. In one embodiment, the steps include Step 50 that stores a plurality of adjustable first timing parameters 22 within the controller 20. Each of the plurality of adjustable first timing parameters 20 is associated with at least one of a plurality of dampers 18. Step 52 causes the controller 20 to receive at least one zone control signals 24 from at least one distinct zones 16. Step 54 causes the controller 20 to determine a zone demand within each of the distinct zones 16. Step 56 causes the controller 20 to operate each of the dampers 18 based on the time stored in each of the adjustable first timing parameters 22 and the zone demand. As shown in FIG. 5, another embodiment of computer-readable medium 21 includes Steps 50 through 54, and further includes Step 58 that causes the controller 20 to determine a relative position 26 for each of the dampers 18, based on the zone demand. In one embodiment, Step 60 further causes the controller 20 to calculate a plurality of second timing parameters 28, one for each of the dampers 18 as defined by the formula:

Second timing parameter=adjustable first timing parameter×relative position.

Step 62 further causes the controller 20 to operate each of the dampers 18 for a time period based on each of the calculated second timing parameters 28, associated with each of the dampers 18. When a zone demand is present within a distinct zone 16, the controller 20 will open the associated damper 18 for a duration based on the calculated second timing parameter 28 until the zone demand is satisfied. Once the zone demand has been satisfied, the controller 20 will close the associated damper 18 for a duration based on the calculated second timing parameter 28.

It will be appreciated that, because each of the dampers 18 may have a different shape and/or configuration, controller 20 utilizes a plurality of adjustable first timing parameters 22 to store the actual time to operate each of the dampers 18. This allows the controller 20 to work with any combination of unknown dampers 18, by allowing an installer to enter a first timing parameter 22 for each damper 18. It will also be appreciated that each of the plurality of adjustable first timing parameters 22 may be adjusted to account for the size and geometry of each of the dampers 18. Once a zone demand is present, the controller 20 determines a relative position 26 for each of the dampers 18 based on the zone demand. The controller 20 utilizes each of the plurality of adjustable first timing parameter 22 and the relative position 26 to calculate a plurality of second timing parameters 28, associated with the respective dampers 18. Based on each of the plurality of calculated second timing parameters 28, the controller 20 can precisely control the amount of time to operate each of the dampers 18, to achieve the relative position 26 and/or to close each of the dampers 18.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only certain embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An HVAC system comprising: an HVAC component for conditioning the air in an environment; a plurality of conduits to provide conditioned air to a plurality of distinct zones of the environment from the HVAC component; at least one damper, wherein the at least one damper is positioned within at least one of the plurality of conduits; and a controller, in electrical communication with said at least one damper, the controller utilizing a plurality of adjustable first timing parameters to operate each damper.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of adjustable first timing parameters is associated with one of the dampers.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the one adjustable first timing parameter is a time period to change a state of the at least one damper.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the one adjustable time period is a time period to operate the at least one damper from an open position to a closed position, or from a closed position to an open position.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to receive at least one zone control signal.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the controller is further configured to determine a zone demand for each of the plurality of distinct zones.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the controller is further configured to determine a relative position of each of the plurality of dampers based on the zone demand.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the controller is further configured to determine at least one second timing parameter.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one second timing parameter is associated with one of the dampers.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the controller operates each of the dampers for a time period defined by the respective second timing parameter.
 11. The system of claim 8, wherein each of the second timing parameters is calculated by the formula: Second Timing Parameter=Adjustable First Timing Parameter×Relative Position.
 12. A method for utilizing a controller to operate an HVAC system comprising the steps of: (a) determining a time to change a state of at least one of a plurality of dampers; (b) inputting the time into the controller; (c) saving the time as at least one of a plurality of adjustable first timing parameters within the controller; (d) receiving at least one zone control signal from at least one of distinct zone; (e) determining, based at least in part upon the at least one zone control signal, a zone demand within each of the distinct zones; and (f) operating the at least one of a plurality of dampers based on the zone demand and the respective adjustable first timing parameters.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein step (a) further comprises determining the time to change the at least one of a plurality of dampers from an open position to a closed position or from the closed position to the open position.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein step (f) further comprises operating the at least one of a plurality of dampers between an open position and a closed position.
 15. A method for utilizing a controller to operate an HVAC system comprising the steps of: (a) determining the time to change a state of at least one damper; (b) inputting the time into the controller; (c) saving the time as at least one adjustable first timing parameters within the controller; (d) receiving at least one zone control signal from at least one distinct zone; (e) determining, based at least in part upon the at least one zone control signal, a zone demand within the at least one distinct zone; and (f) determining a relative position of the at least one damper based upon the zone demand; and (g) operating the at least one damper based on the respective relative position and the respective at least one adjustable first timing parameters.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein step (a) further comprises determining the time to change the at least one of a plurality of dampers from an open position to a closed position or from the closed position to the open position.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein step (g) further comprises operating the at least one damper for a time period based on at least one second timing parameter.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one second timing parameter is defined by the formula: Second Timing Parameter=Adjustable First Timing Parameter×Relative Position.
 19. A computer-readable medium storing a control program executable in an HVAC system, the program comprising instructions that cause a controller of the HVAC system to perform the steps of: (a) store a plurality of adjustable first timing parameters within the controller; (b) receive at least one zone control signal from at least one distinct zone; (c) determine a zone demand within the at least one distinct zone; and (d) operate at least one damper based on the zone demand and the respective adjustable first timing parameters.
 20. The computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein one of the adjustable first timing parameters is associated with one of the dampers.
 21. The computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein step (d) further comprises operating the at least one damper between an open position and closed position.
 22. A computer-readable medium storing a control program executable in an HVAC system, the program comprising instructions that cause a controller of the HVAC system to perform the steps of: (a) store a plurality of adjustable first timing parameters within the controller; (b) receive at least one zone control signal from at least one distinct zone; (c) determine a zone demand within the at least one distinct zone; and (d) determine a relative position for at least one damper based on the zone demand; and (e) operate the at least one damper based on the respective relative position and the respective adjustable first timing parameters.
 23. The computer-readable medium of claim 22, wherein one of the adjustable first timing parameters is associated with one of the dampers.
 24. The computer-readable medium of claim 22, wherein step (e) further comprises operating the at least one damper for a time period based on at least one second timing parameter.
 25. The computer-readable medium of claim 24, wherein the at least one second timing parameter is defined by the formula: Second Timing Parameter=Adjustable First Timing Parameter×Relative Position. 